Don't break in on the Mahatma when he is planning things.
By this time you ought to know that you make better time by following
his advice."

The Hindu raised both hands above his head and closed his eyes,
murmuring, "The voice that led me here, tells me that I shall learn
more about the ancient crown. My time here is nearly at an end."

"Let me tell you about the crown of the two tribes," said Dick. "It is
old and very heavy and set with uncut gems. And it is covered with
signs like picture writing," and Dick described it as well as he could
remember.

"You have seen this crown?"

"I have had it on my head," replied the Boy King.

"Where is it now?"

"Not here, Mahatma. It is too heavy to wear for long, and too valuable
to carry on a war expedition, so I placed it in the safest spot I know."

"Tell me! Tell me where it is hidden," cried the Hindu.

Never before had Dick seen him show excitement. Now his voice trembled
with eagerness.

"Do you think the crown of the Taharans and Gorols is the lost diadem?"
asked Dick. "The one that the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon?"

"I believe it is the same. I cannot rest un I have seen it. Tell me
where it is."

Dick started to say that he had placed it in the cave of the Great
Gorol, the Ape-god in the land of the Gorols. Then it occurred to him
that if Mahatma were told, he would lose all interest in helping rescue
the captives. It would be better to hold the secret until Ray and his
father were saved and Veena restored to Raal.

"Patience, patience, O Mahatma Sikandar," said Dick softly.

"Patience! _You_ preach patience to me?"

"Yes, O wise man. For until you have set free the captives I seek, you
shall never learn where the crown is hidden."

"But you must tell me."

"Later. After the battle."

"But suppose you should be killed?"

"Then my secret perishes with me. You shall never see King Solomon's
crown and you shall never read the words of highest wisdom."

"Attaboy!" exclaimed Dan. "You've got the Mahatma where you want him,
Dick. Make him set Ray free, or tell him nothing."

The Mahatma tightened his lips to keep back an angry retort and then
spoke gently:

"My life is all in vain if I fail to see the crown you have hidden."

"Look for it in your crystal!" cried Dan.

Sikandar ignored him and continued to Dick Oakwood, "With the symbol on
that crown in my memory, I could travel through the air to my own land.
I could go